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	South African wedding planning software If you need an Internet website for your Wedding Planning business please contact us. With years of development work in this area we are able to develop your site in the shortest possible time with the most comprehensive software.
	Use our FREE wedding planning Gift Registry to plan a Stress Free Wedding in Gauteng, Cape Town, Kwa-Zulu Natal, the Limpopo or anywhere else in South Africa It's easy, just register your details on our site and you get access to Wedding Gifts. This software will help you budget, manage your tasks, ....
	Wedding Planning From the initial consultation - whether by phone, email or in person - to the final delivery of the gifts and superb after sales support, My Gift Registry ensures superior and professional service.   With My Gift Registry you will enjoy a personal online gift service whether you are getting married or attending a friend's wedding. My Gift Registry brings a personal touch to the tradition of gift registries. We aim to relieve the stress from the couple when selecting items from our range of high quality gift and homeware items for their new home and allow them to have fun while planning for their future together. Guests are invited by us to view the couple’s registry and enjoy a fun and convenient online shopping experience. Our professional and friendly consultants are always available to assist both registry holders and gift purchasers. We offer free gift wrapping in the colour scheme of the reception and will deliver all gifts to a location pre-arranged with the bridal couple.
	Wedding planning tips:
	Ask any newlywed couple -- even couples that have been married for a long time -- and they'll all say the same thing thing: The key to a successful wedding (read: one that goes smoothly, without any major glitches) is in the wedding planning. Small things go wrong at every wedding. But keep in mind that you can save yourself from migraine headaches and crying spells by making a plan and simply sticking with it. These simple tips will help you take some of the stress away (or at least minimize it!). 1. Lose the Laziness One mistake that many couples make is basking in the glow of their engagement until 4-6 months before their wedding date. Then they try to cram all of the wedding planning into a too-short period of time. Of course you should just sit back and be thrilled about your engagement for a while, but then you've gotta get cracking! Get as much done as possible in the first few months so that the last few months won't be hectic. 2. Use your Stress Free Weddings calendar Once you determine your wedding date, set specific dates by which you want to get things accomplished. For example, you got engaged in June, and your wedding date is April 24. On August 31, mark in that you want to have the ceremony location and reception hall reserved. Try to get as much done as possible in the first few months so that the last few months won't be hectic. 3. Set Aside Time Choose a day of the week when you'll focus on the wedding details, or several days if you're pressed for time. Sit down together and plan. This eliminates confusion -- i.e., the groom thinking he's supposed to call and check on hall rentals when the bride already has it narrowed down to what will suit their needs. 4. Share Duties This is the best way to get things done. You both should be involved every step of the way. Make a list of details to be taken care of, then divide the list in half. Each of you choose what you want to do. This will make grooms want to be involved, instead of making them feel like they have to help. Sure, your sweetie probably isn't concerned with exactly which flowers you carry. And maybe you're not picky about what tuxedos he and the guys wear (or maybe you are!). But involving your husband-to-be will make him feel that it's his wedding, too -- something he helped plan, not just something he has to show up at. Which brings us to... 5. Talk, Talk, Talk We can't stress this enough. Be sure that if you're sharing duties that you're also sharing the details. It's okay to take care of certain things by yourself, just make sure you're telling each other about it so the caterer isn't contracted with twice! 6. Be Flexible Okay. So you really didn't want the groom/bestman in those tails and top hats. And maybe he doesn't want the cake to be lemon with pecan icing (!). Each of you is going to want things that the other doesn't care for, but flexibility is a must. Be willing to bend. If you really object to something, let your objection be duly heard and noted. Just give the other person a chance to explain why he/she really wants to arrive at the reception in a hot tub in the back of the limo. 7. Details, Contracts, and Negotiations When dealing with wedding professionals (caterers, florists, etc.), be sure to clarify all the details and your expectations during the initial discussions. Make sure you get a contract specifically stating dates, times, and locations. Be sure to include what you feel is appropriate dress, and what you feel isn't. Spell out everything. Try to negotiate the best deal for goods and services, but don't sell yourself short on important things just to get a better price. Most importantly, be sure to read the fine print on every contract before you sign it, and make sure you're aware of cancellation policies and fees. Also ask if there's a grace period to cancel just in case you change your mind or something happens and you need to postpone the wedding (you never know). 8. Stay Organized This one's pretty obvious! The more organized you are, the less chance there is that something will go wrong. Buy a notebook, and keep all your wedding information in it. Receipts, contracts, ideas -- everything. You might also want to get notebooks for your maid of honour/bridesmaids and the best man. Put info such as dates, times, locations, and duties. This will keep everyone organized as well, and minimize the chance of someone missing a fitting date or rehearsal time.
	Reception Venues - Finding and selecting the right one for you
	The site doesn't have to be done in the exact colours as your planned decorations, but it shouldn't clash or conflict with your party's mood or theme. Eating, Drinking & Partying Areas There should be logical places within the space where guests can eat, drink, talk, and dance. See if you can envision where each activity would happen (especially if your ceremony will be there, too). If a room is too small to separate into sections accordingly, you may feel cramped. If it's shaped like an S or some other oddball figure, that could compromise your party's flow, as well. Also, note the locations of columns or other obstructions in the room -- will they block people's views? Privacy, Please! Privacy varies widely from place to place, as does the importance couples place on it. If you're having a daytime event in a public spot, such as a park or botanical garden, be prepared for strangers to trek past your party. They may even smile, wave, and come by to offer their good wishes. If this is okay with you (the more the merrier!), go for the park. If not, opt for a lovely lawn on a private estate. Or hold the reception at a restaurant or gallery that will post a CLOSED FOR PRIVATE PARTY sign. Be sure to inquire about available security at your site to keep gatecrashers at bay. In addition, don't think that just because you're indoors, you're safe from uninvited guests. Banquet halls and hotels often hold more than one affair at a time. If there'll be other events going on simultaneously in rooms close to yours, you may hear karaoke-loving guests singing their hearts out to the sounds of Madonna through the walls or meet them over the hot-air dryers in the bathroom. If this bothers you, try to schedule your wedding when there won't be another one next door. If this is impossible, visit the site on a dual-party night and see how the sound carries and whether there really are any major people problems -- before you make a decision. Seeing the Light Light can make -- or break -- the mood. If you're marrying during the day, make sure your hall has plenty of windows. Who wants to spend six hours in a dark room when the sun is shining? If it's an evening affair, make sure the room's not too dim -- or that the lighting can be controlled for the big entrance, dinner, and dancing. If you're marrying outdoors, say, at dusk, will you be able to set up candles if necessary? Try to visit the site at the same time of day that you've chosen for your wedding. Even if the space looks swell by candlelight, you may be surprised by the sight of that 20-year-old carpet during the day. You'll also miss a chance to see how sunlight streaming through floor-to-ceiling windows completely transforms the room, if you check it out only in the evening. A Great View What will your guests look at (when they're not gazing at you or smiling for the videographer)? Whether it's your city skyline, a stunning vista of rolling mountains beyond the windows, or the crashing sea on the sand behind you, exceptional locations are always a feast for the eyes. If there's no view per se, look to a place's decor or architectural details: Picasso prints on the walls, fine Persian rugs on the floors, period furniture in the corners, or an amazing crystal chandelier as the room's centrepiece all give your reception site that something extra. The Right Colour If you're considering a certain theme and colour palette for your party -- say, a Victorian tea done in pink, green, and gold -- that brown shag carpet is really going to wreck the effect. The site doesn't have to be done in the exact colours as your planned decorations, but the walls, carpets, chairs, and curtains shouldn't clash or conflict with your party's mood or theme. If you want a spring wedding brunch, look for a space that's done in light (perhaps pastel) colours or florals; black walls and red leather booths just don't say "spring." But they'll look great if you're going medieval (or 1980s, for that matter). For classic elegance, consider a room done in neutrals or black and white. Ample Outlets Be sure to take a thorough cruise around the room to see if it has lots of places to plug things in -- especially if you're partying in a place that's not a regular spot for hosting weddings. Your main user of outlets will be the entertainment crew. Take note of where the outlets are; if their location will force your DJ to spin records in the bathroom, make sure she or he has plenty of extension cords. Good Vibrations If the place is too echoey, it could give some weird reverb to the band, not to mention make it difficult for guests to hear one another talking. A tile or wood floor, for example, will amplify sounds, while a thick carpet will tend to muffle them. Check out the room's sound quality during an event. And tailor your music to the acoustic conditions. A jazz combo will sound better at an intimate art gallery than a 14-piece orchestra would (not to mention the fact that it takes up less floor space). A Place to Park Make sure the site is near a good parking lot, garage, or big, empty (safe) street where it's legal to park. If parking is a problem, look for other ways to get everyone to the party. Can a shuttle bus or vans take guests from the ceremony to the reception? Inadequate parking isn't necessarily a deal breaker, but it may mean spending more time and money to figure out a viable vehicular alternative.
	Bridal Beauty: 21 Great Beauty Tips
	Look your best with our best big day hair and makeup advice. Waterproof It Choose a mascara that's waterproof; it lasts longer and withstands tears. If you really don't like its look or feel, use one coat of regular mascara, then follow it up with a light coat of waterproof mascara. On the Line Charcoal, navy, or mahogany are your best options for eyeliner. Black or brown may look too severe, especially if your wedding will be held during the daytime and/or outdoors. Lighten Up Use a white shadow as a highlighter on your brow bone if you have light skin; a warmer light peach or vanilla shade will suit deeper complexions. Give Them Shape Do contour your eyes, but avoid using color that's too dense (it can detract from your eyes themselves). Shade Your Brows Define your brows with a pencil or shadow that matches your hair colour. Get the Red Out Pop an eye drop if your eyes look red or tired, but stick with a brand you've used before to avoid unwelcome surprises (irritation or worse!). Bonus Tip: If your veil needs to be removed after the ceremony, make sure your hairdresser shows your mom or maid of honor how to do it without mussing your 'do. Sweet Cheeks Don't forget your blush! A pop of colour on your cheeks is like an instant facelift. For fairer skin, a pink tone will work; those deeper skin tones can choose a rosier hue. Zap a Zit If you have a blemish or breakout just before the big day, keep your hands away from your face -- the spot will heal more neatly if you leave it alone. In the case of a sudden monstrous pimple, see your dermatologist and ask for a cortisone injection that will shrink it instantly. Blend, Blend, Blend Blend well all over, especially at the corners of your eyes, since cameras pick up visible makeup lines. Get a Good View For your makeup application, natural light is best. If possible, set up an application table near a window. If there's no natural light available, use a super-bright lamp -- halogens work best. Sit Up If you're getting ready at a hotel, ask for a high bar stool so you can be on eye level with your makeup artist. If you can't get a stool, simply prop yourself up on pillows. Even It Out Use bronzing powder on your chest and neck if you need to even out your skin tone -- it will make your skin more luminous and ensure that your face doesn't look too different from your body. Watch That Gown Don't, however, use foundation on your décolletage -- it can stain your dress. Carry Protection Use a moisturizer that includes an SPF, especially if you are getting married outdoors! You may be getting more sun than you think you are, and you will definitely look pinker in pictures. Brighten Up Choose a lip colour that's a bit bright. Pale nude or brown lip hues can make you appear washed out in photos, particularly since you'll be wearing white. If you normally wear a neutral hue, wear it as your base with a pink or rose colour on top. If you normally wear dark lipstick, use that as your base and apply a lighter sheer pink on top to give you a lift. Keep It With You Even if you mix various lip colours when applying your makeup, be sure to have one great lipstick to carry with you for touch-ups. Greet 'Em With a Grin You can have the softest lips and the perfect lipstick, but if your teeth are yellow you won't want to flash a smile. There are lots of safe, reliable over-the-counter teeth-whitening systems, which all whiten teeth by a few shades. Prepare the Area When having your hair styled, a low counter with a mirror -- like a vanity table -- will work best. Check to see that your chair has a low back, so your stylist will have easy access to your head. And make sure there are electrical outlets nearby for appliances such as hair dryers, curling irons, and electric rollers. For extra insurance, bring a few extension cords. Turn On the Heat If your wedding is early, or if time is of the essence, plug in your rollers, curling iron, or straightening iron before your stylist arrives to save time. Refresh Your Tresses Give your hair a spa day! Have a professional scalp massage (which not only feels good, but stimulates the hair follicles and adds body) and deep conditioning treatment the week before your wedding. 2. Shopping 101: Gown-Buying Checklist Shopping for your gown is a mixed bag of thrills and chills. Stay cool and collected with our serious shopping timeline. You spent your lifetime dreaming about your wedding gown, so shopping for it is sure to be an exhilarating, exciting and yes, overwhelming experience. When should you start? Where should you go? What happens once you're there? Well, your worrying is over. From ordering to altering, here's everything you need to know. When to Begin Two words: Shop early. Nine to twelve months before the wedding is ideal, since it's best to have about six months to spare for fittings. Why? Unless you buy a ready-to-wear gown or a sample, wedding gowns are custom-made (and any beading are likely hand-sewn). Then, once the gown arrives, it must be altered -- usually several times -- to fit you perfectly. That said, many companies can turn a gown around quickly. If you have less than six months, it's not impossible, just get started pronto. One tip: Go simple. As a rule, the less complicated the gown, the less time it takes to make and fit. If you have lots of time, you can hit every salon, shop 'til you drop, and agonize over your gown decision. Most important, be decisive! 9 to 12 Months Before Start envisioning yourself in your wedding gown. Think about your everyday style. Now write down six adjectives that best describe how you want to look and feel (summery, sweet, elegant, royal, sexy, sophisticated, demure, over-the-top, to name a few).  Choose the time of day and formality of your wedding before you set foot in a store. Start learning the ins and outs of wedding gowns. Get the lingo down and determine which design elements will complement your body.  Hone in on a specific style. Now get some paper and a pencil and put into words what you absolutely do not want in a gown (for example, short sleeves, a full skirt, or beading). Determine your gown budget -- a good guideline is to spend 10% of your overall wedding budget. 8 Months Before Find two or three salons that suit you. Check to see which salons carry the designers you like. Submit e-mails and make appointments, allowing at least one hour at each salon. Use your calendar to keep track of the salons, addresses, dates, and times. Decide who to bring and invite them along. Limit your entourage to no more than three oglers at once. Get your gear ready. Many salons provide some of the essentials listed below, but they may not fit properly: A strapless bra or bustier Control-top panty hose (gowns go on more smoothly, especially the often-too-small sample sizes) A slip if you plan to try on sheaths or slip dresses Shoes with approximately the same heel height you plan to wear on your wedding day Tissues for when your mom sees you in your first gown As you shop take careful notes on the dresses and the designers you like and write down descriptions of the gowns with prices. A few words on sizing: Wedding gowns can run small. The store will measure your bust, waist, and hips, consult the individual manufacturer's sizing chart, and order the size that matches your largest measurement (it's much easier and less expensive to take in a dress than to let it out). 7 Months Before Narrow down your gown choices and go for a second (or third or fourth!) salon visit. You can return as many times as you like. No matter how indecisive you think you are, you probably won't come close to being the most neurotic bride they've ever helped. Also, make at least one trip on your own (so you can ponder your options without others' opinions colouring your thoughts). At the salon, ask if the gown has coordinating accessories (veil or shawl) and try them on, too. Don't feel pressured to order anything: You still have time to look elsewhere for accessories. 6 Months Before Order your gown. Make sure the following contract points are in writing on your receipt: designer name style number or name size or measurements the salon is sending to the manufacturer approximate delivery date how many fittings are included in the price (if any) how much money you still owe for the gown amount of your deposit and that it's marked paid 5 Months Before Call the salon to confirm the delivery date. Decide what accessories -- shoes, lingerie, jewellery, headwear, wrap, gloves, outerwear, and bag -- you need (or want!) and shop for them. For ideas, check out The Knot Accessory Search. If you plan to lose weight before your wedding, do so before your fittings begin. Once fittings are underway, try to maintain your weight. (Better yet, forget about the diet -- obviously he thinks you look great just the way you are.) 6 Weeks Before (or once your gown has arrived) Have your first fitting. Invite an honest, sharp-eyed friend or family member to come along. Bring your accessories, too, so you can see the whole look. 4 to 5 Weeks Before Have your second fitting. Make sure that: The hem of a full-length gown skims the tops of the toes of your shoes You can move comfortably The gown stays in place as you move There is no obvious wrinkling, bunching, or pulling Continue to schedule fittings until you are completely satisfied. Bring your maid of honour to your final fitting to learn about the gown. Does it need bustling? Ask the salesperson to teach her how to do it. Does it have complicated straps or buttons? Make sure she knows how to work them. Also, find out how to banish last-minute wrinkles. Should you use an iron? On what setting? Is steaming a better option? And what if you spill something on the gown? Are there certain products you should or shouldn't use? 3 Weeks Before the wedding. Schedule a day and time to pick up your gown from the salon. We suggest you try it on one last time, no matter what the salon says, especially if it's been a while since your last fitting. We all know stress affects our appetites, and if you suddenly don't fit into your gown you need time to adjust it, or your diet. Pick up your gown! 3. Bridal Fashion Hints Your Gown: An Anatomy Lesson Are you up on all of the parts of your gown? Study up with our lesson in dresses 101. Over the years, the wedding dress has become an iconic piece of clothing, one associated with joy, union, celebration and hope. For many women, the price of a bridal gown also constitutes their single largest clothing expenditure. And yet, few brides actually know what goes into the gowns they choose to wear. Like many things in life, a bridal gown is only as grand as the sum of its parts. Every version -- no matter what its shape or size -- is the result of several dynamics working together to enhance the wearer in a specific way and to create unique vision. For instance, the inherent sex appeal of a sheath can be downplayed with the addition of flirty floral embroideries, or highlighted with a halter neckline and sexy slit skirt. A big tulle ball gown can celebrate its princess appeal with lots of lace, a Basque waistline, and tea-length hem, or it can be made to look more modern with a dropped waist and strapless or asymmetrical neckline. Did you know... Dresses were generally floor length until World War I. Then, in the late 1920s, they rose to knee length, before dropping to the calf in the '30s. By the time the mini was introduced in the mid '60s, skirt length had become largely a matter of personal choice. Before you start shopping, take a moment to consider the following 12 gown elements, each of which must not only be right on its own, but must also work with the others to form a perfect union. Silhouette Silhouette refers to the overall shape of a gown. It's the most essential element to assess, because a gown's shape is its bedrock -- and it's what sets the mood for your entire look. The fitted bodice and full bell-shaped skirt of the ball gown, for example, channels a Cinderella spirit, making it the perfect selection for the princess bride. The empire, on the other hand, is a softer style that evokes a period feel with its high, feminine waistline. More form-fitting styles like the sheath up the ante on wedding dress sex appeal, and are a sleek and stylish option for the modern bride. Neckline The neckline is very important for two reasons: Not only is it the part of the dress people notice first, but it's also the one that sets off the face. If a bride's face is a portrait, then her neckline is its frame. Some necklines -- the bateau, jewel and mandarin -- are designed to sit high on the neck and offer coverage. While others -- the portrait, sweetheart, one-shoulder -- are defined by what they leave bare. The right neckline can add character to a gown, show off an accessory, or highlight a unique figure feature -- be it a long, graceful neck, daring décolletage, or a strong set of shoulders. Waistline Technically, the waistline of the wedding dress is the horizontal seam that joins the bodice and skirt. Along with the neckline and sleeves, the waistline works to add signature style to a particular silhouette. It's also the element responsible for bringing shape and balance to the gown. For example, the elongated V-shape of a Basque waist is the perfect compliment to a full ball gown, while a natural waist on an A-line dress will highlight the gentle curve of the design. The waistlines also dictate how a dress works on your figure. Dropped waists, which came to prominence during the flapper era, help create the illusion of a longer torso, while high empire-style waists are favoured for their slimming properties. Sleeves Wedding dress sleeves can add extra interest to a bodice and provide balance for a skirt. Once closely linked to season, the selection of sleeve style is now largely a matter of how much -- or how little -- skin the wearer is willing to show. Long-sleeved styles include Juliet (as in Romeo and…), a dramatic fitted sleeve with a short puff at the shoulder; bell, which is narrow at the armhole, then open at the wrist; and gauntlet, which is characterized by a by a generous pouf at the shoulder and a detachable glove-like piece that tapers to a fitted point near the wrist. On the other end of the spectrum are alluring super-spare styles like tiny cap sleeves that just cover the top of the arm, and spaghetti straps, favoured for their sexy, lingerie-like sensibility. Hemline The hemline of a wedding gown refers to its length -- an element that's changed drastically throughout history. Dresses were generally floor length until World War I. Then, in the late 1920s, they rose to knee length, before dropping to the calf in the '30s. By the time the mini was introduced in the mid '60s, skirt length had become largely a matter of personal choice. The length of your dress can be used to dictate the formality of your wedding, however. Generally speaking, the longer the dress, the more formal the affair. Floor-length gowns are considered the most formal. Gowns that fall anywhere from mid-calf to ankle are considered semi-formal. And a gown that's knee-length or shorter is said to be an informal, though today the minidress is considered a chic option for the unconventional sophisticate or second-time bride. Fabric & Finish Style, cut, texture, drapery, and season are all important factors in determining the best fabric for a wedding gown. The same dress style can look and feel quite different in a different fabric, since each material is designed to produce a distinct effect. Some fabrics cling to the body, while others stand away. Some are cherished for their crispness, others for being light as air. Silk -- a natural fibre that exudes an innate quality of refinement -- is undoubtedly the most sought after wedding dress material, owing to its resiliency, elasticity, and strength. Among the most popular gown fabrics: satin, a densely-woven silk notable for its super-lustrous gloss; duchesse satin, a blend of silk and rayon that is lighter and more affordable than pure silk satin; charmeuse, a lightweight silk satin with a more subdued luster; and shantung, a low-sheen textured silk characterized by a rough, nubby quality. Then there are the gauzier, textured silks like chiffon, tulle, and organza -- all used in multiple layers for gown skirts since they are transparent, but lightweight. Lace Subtle yet strong, and rich with history, lace is the perfect parallel for the bride herself. It covers while it reveals, and adds a touch of centuries-gone-by grace while remaining utterly current. A bride who wears it pays tribute to a time-honoured tradition. Lace-making -- which involves looping, braiding, and interlacing cotton, silk, nylon, and other types of thread to form a pattern -- developed from embroidery in the 15th century; by the Victorian era, few brides would marry without a touch of frilly thread work somewhere on their gown. Today, lace is so widely used in wedding gowns, it's almost become synonymous with them. Heralded for its inherent romance, intricacy, and graphic detail, lace comes in hundreds of weaves and shades, from the bold decoration of Alencon, guipure, and ribbon, to the delicate finery of schiffli and Chantilly. Embellishment Embellishment is like icing on a cake; done right, it adds glamour and individuality to a gown. Throughout history, brides have taken to embellishing their wedding dresses. Queen Victoria added fresh orange blossoms to her otherwise pure ensemble back in 1840, and throughout the 18th and 19th centuries it was widely believed that the more elaborately trimmed a woman's gown, the wealthier she was. Today, it's the quality - not necessarily the quantity - of the embellishment that counts. Elaborate beading and embroideries are used to add richness and texture to plain fabric. Small, iridescent sequins and gems are sewn on to add light and give dresses their decorative twinkle. And layers of fringe, crystal droplets, and colourful beading that spill down the gown are all favoured flourishes for adding movement. Skirt Details The skirt is where much of a gown's personality can be found -- a few well-placed details can make the difference between a gown that's average and one that's out of this world. They can add length and volume, romance and depth. Consider the bustle-back, the most popular of all skirt details. Characterized by yards of fabric that extend over the back of the skirt, "bustling" consists of gathering up all the material, then looping and securing it with a few discreet buttons or hooks. The end result? Swathes of fabric that add fullness and fun. Other skirt details -- strategically placed slits or pleats -- can up a gown's sex appeal, while still others -- delicate flounces, dramatic drapes -- can make it more poetic. Bodice Details In addition to embellishments like beads and embroidery, wedding gown bodices can be constructed with decorative details that add romance and individuality. The flip side of an unadorned tank-style gown may reveal a seductive corset-laced back; a high round neckline can be punctuated with a keyhole cut-out; a strapless bodice gets a boost from a crystal-encrusted crumb catcher. Their purposes may be different, but fine points like these all have one thing in common: they make a lasting impression.
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